A coalition open to youth and young adults ages 12 to 26.
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Welcome!
Youth in Action is a project of the Institute for Public Strategies that aims to empower youth and young adults ages 12 to 26 who live, go to school, work, or play in the South Bay and Border Communities of San Diego County.
Although Youth in Action centers on the Latinx youth experience, we encourage folks of different identities to join us!
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Latine/x youth have the power to connect their families to communities as they overcome language and cultural barriers.
They expand the possibilities of what we can envision for our communities.
Although Youth in Action centers on the Latinx youth experience, we encourage folks of different identities to join us!
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A coalition open to youth and young adults ages 12 to 26
- Leadership Development
- Community Organizing
- Civic Engagement
@youthinactionsd
Approach to Community Transformation (A.C.T.) Model
Approach Community Transformation
ACT
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Breny Aceituno
(She/Her/Ella)
Program Staff
As a child of undocumented immigrants and raised by a single mother, Breny grew up with the feeling of “ni de aqui, ni de alla”. In English, this means ‘not from here and not from there.’ She often wrestled with questions of identity and belonging. Today, this experience informs her work as a community health advocate. She strives to ensure that all community members champion their own diverse backgrounds as well as welcome the backgrounds of others. So much so that she now believes in the power of being from many places, or to use the Spanish phrase, “Soy the aqui, y de alla”. With this mindset, Breny is evermore inspired to advocate for communities where everyone can access community information in the language and cultural lens of their choice. She believes that this type of access will make it so that we can all make healthy, informed decisions with long-lasting effects on our mental and physical wellness.
Lisette Muñoz
(She/Her/Ella)
Growing up in South San Diego motivated Lisette to uplift and empower young people through community organizing and advocacy. She strongly believes in the value of creating positive experiences and accessible spaces for youth and their families in underserved and underrepresented communities. Lisette has a passion for cultural art, connecting with nature, and understanding the unique journey of self-healing.
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Marcus Fisher
(He/Him)
Born and raised in Chula Vista, Marcus has been involved with many projects and communities that focus on LGBTQ+ advocacy; trauma-informed care; HIV prevention; access to healthcare; relationship violence and prevention; the equity and inclusion of people of color; fair housing; and human trafficking. His passions include furthering the discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in communities and helping others reach their goals in bettering their lives. His other passions include expressive art, movies, and gemstones.
Sebastian Montiel
(He/They)
Growing up in South Bay and having a transborder experience between San Diego & Tijuana, Sebastian lived firsthand health inequities. At a young age, he understood its disproportionate impact on his community and the need for health reform for all communities of color. He focuses on working alongside communities to promote their advocacy, resiliency, and self-healing journey. Sebastian is passionate about social justice issues, expression and gender identity.
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What do you love about being an adult ally?
“What I love about being an adult ally is that I not only get to help a young person grow their strengths and skills, but I get to help grow what I didn’t have as a youth. Adult allies like teachers and counselors were my friends, and I looked up to them for guidance and direction. Iwant ton have a positive impact on someone like when I was younger.”
“I enjoy building bridges within communities; it's almost like how I grew up in a Mexican household where your family trusts those who have taken the time to get to know them. Being an adult ally is like a connector; as we grow, our community grows alongside them.”
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“Being an adult ally to young people in my community is not only a privilege but a responsibility. I love supporting youth and young adults by co-creating safe and brave spaces alongside them, building positive relationships, connecting them to resources and opportunities, and uplifting their voices and experiences.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an adult ally is the opportunity to actively support and uplift young people, amplifying their voices and perspectives. I find immense fulfillment in fostering meaningful connections, advocating for their rights, and collaborating on initiatives that promote inclusivity and empowerment. Being an adult ally allows me to contribute to positive change, mentor future leaders, and create more equitable spaces where everyone's strengths and insights are valued.
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Youth Advisory Board
Arlene
(She/Her)
Des
(They/Them)
Frankie
(He/Him)
Youth in Action's YAB is a group of youth and young adults who steer the direction of the program by identifying projects, collaborating on ideas, and leading broader coalition activities and events.
Young people's voices should be heard and valued. They challenge the status quo and offer a new vision for equitable communities.
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Youth
Listening
Sessions
Youth Listening Sessions are a safe space for young people to share their experiences in their communities, and the issues they face, and express their needs.
Click The Infographics To Zoom In
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READ about their stories
“Some of the resources for underprivileged communities are left out. A lot of people are not informed of these resources sometimes. We need more community advocates that promote the available resources out there.”
- Listening Session Participant
“I’d want to initiate dialogue between parents and their kids, encouraging them to continue these open conversations. They leave with connections to their youth, learn new coping strategies, and continue conversations outside of the town hall. It’s never too late to learn new coping mechanisms and to express your emotions
- Des, Youth Advisory Board Member
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Community Advocate Training
Our FREE nine-week Community Advocate Training is open to ages 12 to 26 in the South Bay and Border Communities of San Diego.
This 9-week program is based on the Resident Leadership Academy, where you explore topics like leadership, land use, active transportation, safety, crime prevention, healthy food systems, substance use, and creating YOUR OWN community improvement project.
Mind Matters:
Road to Resiliency
Mind Matters is a 12-week course designed to inspire, uplift, and set young people on their healing journey as they build resiliency. This course explores the impact of hardships, toxic stress, and the process of healing through hands-on activities focused on increasing hope and adaptability.
Mental Health Resources
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Sign up for our
Newsletter
to stay up to date each month with the latest Youth in Action and South Bay community events and opportunities.
Subscribe Here
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Barrio Logan College Institute x Youth in Action: FAFSA Workshop
SIGN UP
Clean Coast Collaborative Meeting
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January 13th
January 16th
Barrio Logan College Institute Community Service Fair
MORE INFO
Instagram Live with Jose on Southern Border Coalition: Youth Sector lead
LEARN MORE
January 18th
January 19th
EVENTS:
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Resources
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A womxn lead group that works with partners
and communities to offer free resources.
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK
Emergency food bags, canned and dry food.
Every Friday from 10AM - noon.
(619) 787-2035